Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: A Comparative Analysis of the Localization in the English and Spanish Versions

Abstract

[eng] This study explores the Spanish and English localizations of the videogame Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. First of all, the names of Pokémon and towns, two basic ingame elements, are analysed and classified according to five selected translating strategies combining the work of authors Vinay and Darbelnet (1958), Kena Miller (2022), and Don Arvidsson (2018). The results indicate that there is a strong representation of Spanish culture within the different names analysed. Additionally, it has been also demonstrated that most translated names maintain some meaning relation to the original name, with a few exceptions. Secondly, the evaluation of the variants into which the game was localized and the professional situation of translating teams demonstrate that the English audience does not show any adverse reaction against neutral English. The Spanish translation, on the other hand, proves the dissatisfaction of Latin American customers given that the difference between variants leads to misunderstandings and discomfort when playing the videogame. Considering all the aforementioned aspects, it can be argued that despite being a product widely enjoyed by Spanish and English players, further research on the importance of translating into the language variants of the videogame’s target audience should be undertaken in order to not invisibilise a linguistic community. Additionally, this study also proves that a good translation and localization team is essential to provide a quality product that adapts to an intended market.